Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Agreement with California Water Service for the cost of installing three water service lines at Flood County Park
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The Parks Director, or the Parks Director’s Designee, to execute an agreement with California Water Service (“Cal Water”) to install two 4-inch water service lines and one 8-inch fire service line at Flood County Park; and
B) The Parks Director, or the Parks Director’s Designee, to pay to Cal Water amounts not to exceed $326,899.68 for Cal Water’s costs of engaging a qualified contractor of its choosing to install the new service lines.
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BACKGROUND:
Flood County Park (“Flood Park”) is a 21-acre County-owned and operated park that is located in the City of Menlo Park. Founded in 1937, Flood Park has served the recreational needs of residents of southern San Mateo County for over 85 years.
In 2014, the San Mateo County Parks Department (“Department”) assessed the condition of Flood Park’s amenities and determined that a complete overhaul was warranted. This led to the creation of the Realize Flood Park Project (“Project”), a multi-year public engagement process that led to the development of the Final Revised Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) and 2022 Landscape Plan.
On February 27, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 080189 which authorized an agreement with Jensen Landscape Contractor, LLC (“Jensen”) for the construction of Phase 1 of the Project. Phase 1 includes the small multi-use sports field, tennis/pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball court, picnic and reservation areas, landscaping, walking paths, and utilities (water, electrical, and sewer).
Menlo Park Municipal Water currently services Flood Park via a watermain near the north-east corner of the park. During the development of Project design plans, the Department determined that having Flood Park receive its potable water via the Cal Water watermain at Bay Road (on the south-west edge of the park) would reduce the total linear footage of the water distribution system, which would: (1) be more cost-effective to install and maintain, (2) provide more consistent water pressure, and (3) when needed, allow for maintenance and repairs to be less disruptive to park visitors. For these reasons, the Department initiated the process of transferring water service provider for Flood Park from Menlo Park Municipal Water to Cal Water.
In August 2024, the Department, the City of Menlo Park (which operates Menlo Park Municipal Water), and Cal Water entered into an Agreement to Transfer Water Service for Flood Park from Menlo Park Municipal Water to Cal Water.
DISCUSSION:
In accordance with Phase 1’s scope of work, Jensen constructed a new water distribution system at Flood Park, which was designed and built to receive water via Cal Water’s watermain at Bay Road. This system will support the park’s restrooms, reservation areas, fire hydrants, irrigation systems, ranger station, ranger residence, and adobe building.
The August 2024 Agreement to Transfer Water Service requires that the County pay the costs for Cal Water to engage a qualified contractor of its choosing to install the new service lines. Given the complexity of tapping into an active watermain, Cal Water only authorizes contractors who they have vetted and approved to work on their system conduct the work. Pursuant to Cal Water’s approved process, Cal Water directly contracts with an approved contractor to perform the installation services, and passes through its costs to the customer.
On October 2, 2024, Cal Water provided an estimate of $297,181.53 for the installation of the three waterlines. This estimate also includes restoring sidewalk and roadway damaged during construction to Menlo Park’s standards. Cal Water requires that the County pay the estimated cost above as a deposit before any permits or work can be started. Upon completion of the work, an adjustment will be made for any difference between the estimated cost and the actual cost. If the actual cost is less than the deposited amount, Cal Water will issue a refund. If, however, the actual cost is more than the amount deposited, Cal Water will invoice the County for the difference. Thus, the Department’s recommendation to enter into an agreement with Cal Water in an amount not to exceed $326,899.68 includes a 10% contingency ($29,718.15).
Cal Water requires that the County execute an agreement using its standard form. This project is exempt from the County’s competitive procurement requirements pursuant to Section IV(B)(12) of Admin Memo B-1. The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved of this form.
EQUITY IMPACT:
By transferring water service provider, the Department will reduce the total linear footage of the water distribution system and ensure more reliable and cost-effective water service to park visitors. Due to its location, Flood Park serves as the preferred local recreation destination for residents of park-deficient communities like North Fair Oaks.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated cost to install the three water lines is $297,181.53. The Department has added 10% ($29,718.15) for a contingency. Sufficient funding exists in the Realize Flood Park project budget to pay for the recommended not to exceed amount of $326,899.68.